Alumni Report: Where are they now?

Odessa, Texas (DEC 14, 2015) – The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey, have been a key piece to the advancement of over 51 players who have gone on to play NCAA hockey, including nine players who gone on to play at Division 1 programs. In November, Connor Hellebuyck became the first ex-Jack to appear in the NHL, with the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck is 4-1-0 in five starts in the NHL. Each Month, Jackalopes.org will bring Jacks fans up to date with all former Jackalope’ players on their current hockey endeavors. Odessa joined the NAHL in 2011 and currently has 45 alumni competing in the NCAA and seven of those at the NCAA Division 1 level.

NHL

Former Jackalopes goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made his National Hockey League debut with the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 27, 2015, earning a 3-1 win. Since, Hellebuyck has started four more games and has accumulated a 4-1 record with a 1.79 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. Hellebuyck appeared in 53 games for Odessa in 2011-12, leading the Jacks to its lone post-season appearance, while going 26-21-8 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. After Odessa, Hellebuyck went on to play two seasons at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (NCAA, D1) and was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. At Umass-Lowell, Hellebuyck led the River Hawks to a Hockey East Conference title, and their first Frozen Four appearance in school history during his freshman season, and was named Regional MVP for his postseason excellence, while ending his season with a 20-3-0 record, .952 save percentage, and 1.37 goals-against average. As a sophomore, Hellebuyck led the River Hawks to another conference title, going 18-9-2 with a 1.79 goals-against average, and .941 save percentage. Before the promotion to the NHL, the Commerce, MI native was 2-7-1 in 10 games with the Manitoba Moose (AHL, Jets) with a 2.41 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

Player Team Yr. Record GAA SV%

Connor Hellebuck Winnipeg Jets (NHL) Rk. 4-1-0 1.79 .938

NCAA

The Odessa Jackalopes imprint can be felt throughout NCAA hockey, with a combined 45 Jacks alumni currently playing in both Division I and Division III programs.

Former Jalen Smereck is the only Jack in team history to compete in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). Smereck appeared in two games with the Jacks in 2014, recording one point (0 goals, one assist).

Player Team Jr. Yr. 2015 GP G A PTS

Jalen Smereck Oshawa Generals 3rd 29 1 8 9

USHL

The Odessa Jackalopes have proven to be a great platform and stepping stone for players to advance to the United States Hockey League. Currently, there are four former Jackalopes in the USHL including brothers Kenny (Des Moines Buccaneers) and Christian Hausinger (Muskegon Lumberjacks). In November, both Christian and Kenny decommitted from Sacred Heart University (NCAA, D1) and have reopened their recruiting process. Christian was also traded from the Lincoln Stars (USHL) to the Muskegon LumberJacks (USHL).

Player Team Jr. Yr. 2015 GP G A PTS

Christian Hausinger Muskegon LumberJacks 2nd 23 0 2 2

Kenny Hausinger Des Moines Buccaneers 2nd 24 7 10 17

Forbes Ploszaj Waterloo Blackhawks 3rd 0 0 0 0

Austin Alger Omaha Lancers 2nd 20 5 2 7

NAHL

Several players have made stops in Odessa and continued their junior careers on different teams in the North American Hockey League. Currently, 10 former Jackalopes are still competing in NAHL.

Player Team Jr. Yr. 2015 GP G A PTS

Alex Armstrong Janesville Jets 2nd 1 0 0 0

Edward Hirka Janesville Jets 2nd 5 0 0 0

Jake Hamilton New Jersey Titans 2nd 20 1 5 6

Max Rasberg Brookings Blizzard Released

Colton Schmidt Brookings Blizzard 2nd 4 0 0 0

Alex Alger Johnstown Tomahawks 3rd 30 5 15 20

Andrew Durham New Jersey Titans 2nd 24 5 10 15

Matt Bernanek Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 3rd 22 2 4 6

BCHL

The only former Jack competing in the BCHL (British Colombia Hockey League) currently is Cornell (NCAA, D1) committed forward Corey Hoffman. Last year in Odessa, Hoffman appeared in 34 games for the Jacks, tallying 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists).